Football matches across Argentina this weekend to be paused in '10th' minute for honouring Messi

Buenos Aires: All football matches across Argentina this weekend will pause in the 10th minute for a 60-second round of applause to honor Lionel Messi, following the superstar's decision to retire from international football, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) announced.

The nationwide tribute will take place across all men's and women's divisions and disciplines. Additionally, venues featuring electronic screens have been instructed to broadcast a special AFA institutional video prior to kickoff.

"For the upcoming matchday across all men's and women's divisions and disciplines, matches will be paused in the 10th minute of the first half for a minute of applause in recognition of Lionel Messi's career with the Argentina national team," the AFA announced late Wednesday, according to Reuters.

"Furthermore, stadiums equipped with screens must broadcast the Association's institutional video before the start of the matches," the AFA statement added.

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Pausing the game in the 10th minute pays homage to Messi's iconic No. 10 shirt, which he wore for the vast majority of his international career.

Messi confirmed his departure from the national side on Monday, concluding a legendary international career that began in 2005. He departs as Argentina's all-time leading goalscorer and most-capped player, having led the nation through a era of major international titles.

"After the time that passed since the final, thinking about it a lot, I want to communicate to everyone that I am retiring from the national team," Messi wrote Monday on Instagram.

"It was a decision that hurt and hurts in a soul, but I understand that this is the moment. I swear to you that I always gave everything, not just in the last few years when we won everything but before as well and I always fought and left everything on the field for this shirt, to give you all joys and make you feel proud to be Argentines through soccer," he added.

The 39-year-old's international career included years of near-misses—including runner-up finishes at the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Copa América—before a historic period of triumph. Messi helped Argentina claim the 2021 Copa América, ending a 28-year major trophy drought for his country.

He then captained Argentina to victory at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, scoring twice in the final against France and converting in the penalty shootout. Argentina subsequently defended their Copa América title in 2024.

Across six World Cup tournaments spanning from 2006 to 2026, Messi netted 21 goals in 34 matches. At the 2026 World Cup, he registered eight goals—including his first career World Cup hat-trick against Algeria—and provided four assists.

While retiring from international duty, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner will continue playing club football for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer. (ANI)